Performing Songwriter calls Hutchinson, "...A master of introspective ballads filled with understated yearning and an exquisite sense of metaphor." The twenty-six year old describes her style as "lyric-based, folk-pop, with a whole lot of small town idealism and one devastating break up thrown in for good measure." Among her influences she is quick to include poet Mary Oliver along with the likes of David Grey, Patty Griffin, Greg Brown and Shawn Colvin. Her songs are characterized by a weathered but unselfconscious optimism, a love of language and of the natural world. Having grown up in a town of 5,000 people, "just outside the National Historic District," her songs possess all the charm of Lake Wobegon, tempered by a sweet and timeless voice.
Gatekeeper
Meg Hutchinson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When you wonder if you could, if you will
With your toes upon the edge, with your eyes upon the sky
Tell me just these things before you fly
How are you feeling, what are your plans for tomorrow?
Will you let me make some, and after, you can do as you will
Will everything seem fixable that did not before?
See how the sun shines on the bay, the islands over there
You could make it through today if you dare
How are you feeling, what are your plans for tomorrow?
Will you let me make some, and after, you can do as you will
Maybe every day in ordinary ways We hold each other on
We keep each other here
Maybe every day in ordinary ways We hold each other on
We keep each other here
How are you feeling?
What are your plans?
The song “Gatekeeper” by Meg Hutchinson is a ballad about being there for someone during a difficult time when they are feeling vulnerable and wondering if they can keep going. The lyrics use imagery of standing on the edge and possibly falling off to represent this feeling. The singer asks questions like “how are you feeling?” and “what are your plans for tomorrow?” to show that they are there to listen and to offer support. They also offer to help make plans for the future and to be a steady presence.
The chorus includes the lines “Maybe every day in ordinary ways, We hold each other on, We keep each other here.” This shows that even in the ordinary moments of life, we can support each other and keep each other grounded. The song ultimately speaks to the importance of human connection and emotional support in the face of challenges and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
When the day has grown too long, the hour's standing still
When you feel weary from the length of the day and time seems to have stopped
When you wonder if you could, if you will
When you doubt yourself and your ability to do what you want
With your toes upon the edge, with your eyes upon the sky
With the possibility of change before you and hope in what lies ahead
Tell me just these things before you fly
Share with me your thoughts and feelings before taking a leap of faith
If your hand should lose the rail, your heel should lose the chord
If you lose your balance or support in life
Will everything seem fixable that did not before?
Will challenges seem easier to overcome once you take a step back?
See how the sun shines on the bay, the islands over there
Take notice of the beauty around you, and let it bring you hope
You could make it through today if you dare
You can overcome the challenges of today if you have the courage to try
Maybe every day in ordinary ways We hold each other on
We keep each other here
Perhaps through everyday actions, we support each other and keep each other grounded
How are you feeling?
What are your plans?
Asking how you are doing in this moment and what your future intentions are
Contributed by Lincoln V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.